Great Middle-Age Fitness Reduces Stroke Risk

By Dipannita - 12 Jun '16 14:13PM

A new study has found that maintaining physical fitness during middle age helps reduce the risk of stroke later in life. The risk is significantly reduced once an individual crosses 65 years of age.

During the study, the research team found that among 20,000 individuals, those who were more physically fit in their 40s has 37 percent lower risk of suffering from stroke or cardiovascular disease in their 60s, as compared to individuals with low fitness.

The risk remained reduced even when the protective effect of physical fitness remained even when the researchers accounted for other risk factors such as type 2 diabetes, atrial fibrillation or high blood pressure.

According to lead researcher Dr. Ambarish Pandey of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, regular exercising and physical activity is important to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Pandey further said that the regular exercising schedule could include strengthening exercises such as free weights and some form of aerobic exercising such as jogging, walking, swimming or biking.

The study results are particularly important, especially considering the fact that stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. In addition, it is the leading cause of long-term disability among people.

A stroke occurs when a blood clot interrupts the flow of blood in a vessel of the brain. This, in turn, restricts the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain, which may render an individual, brain dead or with reduced functioning of the brain cells.

Pandey believes that exercising helps by reducing the inflammation in the vessels and by keeping them healthy. The study authors further suggest that doctors should consider low physical fitness levels as an increased risk for stroke and cardiovascular diseases.

People should start exercising from today, even if they believe that they are late in life to do that. According to Pandey, it is never too late to start exercising to lower the risk of stroke.